McLaren to delay debut of 2026 challenger after amid weather update

The Woking-based outfit, which only recently unveiled renders of its 2026 car, has opted against running at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on the second day of testing due to unpredictable weather conditions.

Instead, McLaren is using its time at the venue for alternative tasks, including static garage tests. However, the reigning 2025 Constructors’ Champions are expected to take to the track on Wednesday, 27 January, marking their first on-track running of the new campaign.

It’s worth recalling that teams are permitted to participate in any three of the five available shakedown days in Barcelona.

This update from the McLaren team also follows an earlier GPblog report revealing McLaren had also chosen to skip the opening day of running, which saw seven teams head out on track.

Earlier, McLaren Technical Director of Performance Mark Temple highlighted how differentiation between aerodynamic packages and overall chassis performance could prove pivotal to results achieved by teams under the new regulations.

The McLaren engineering chief, in his assessment, touched on the split between internal combustion energy and electrical energy distribution, which he believes will play a significant role in the results recorded.

The 2026 season is set to introduce one of the most significant regulatory overhauls in Formula 1 history, with sweeping changes to both chassis design and power unit design.

As the 2026 pre-season activities continue, our Paddock Update is the place to be.

Follow and subscribe to our channels on YouTube and Spotify to stay up to date with all the happenings as they unfold, ahead of the first on-track action under the new Formula 1 regulations.

Check out the latest episode of our Paddock Update here 👇